The Calabogie plant was constructed and developed during World War I by the Calabogie Light and Power Company. The building of the plant was a remarkable achievement in that within seven months from the start, power was available. The speed of construction was materially accelerated by the use of equipment already built for another plant, but adapted to the requirements of this project with immaterial changes. The development was owned and operated by M.J. O'Brien Limited of Renfrew, Ontario.